COATESVILLE – City police Thursday identified the man who was found dead when firefighters responded to a small blaze at a house in the 200 block of Charles Street.

Authorities discovered the body of Joshua Wilson, 37, in the basement of the home on Wednesday afternoon. It was determined he was dead before the fire started, city police said.

The exact cause of Wilson’s death is undetermined pending toxicology tests and does not appear suspicious, according to a report released by the Coatesville Police Department Thursday.

John Clifford of the State Police Fire Marshal Unit said Thursday the incident has been ruled an accidental electrical fire. He said the fire was contained to a small area of the basement, causing minor damage and possible smoke on the first and second floor of the home.

Advertisement

Evelyn Chesnet and her fiancé, Ron Hatfield, were in the home at the time of the fire with their two sons, Chesnet told the Daily Local News Thursday.

She said she dialed 911 around 1:37 p.m., while Hatfield attempted to remove Wilson from the basement.

Chesnet said Wilson was unresponsive during the time of the fire and when the fire was out.

“My fiancé made several attempts to get his best friend out of the basement and put the fire out,” Chesnet said in an email. “Our condolences are with his family and friends and we are working closely with them to assist and help when needed.”

According to Coatesville City Interim Fire Chief Jim Lentz, fire units arrived on scene at the dwelling in the west end of the city shortly after the call.

The initial reports were of an entrapment at the two-story row home.

Chief Deputy Chester County Coroner David Garver confirmed at 3 p.m. Wednesday that a body was found at the scene and firefighters were seen removing the body from the house.

No other injuries were reported.

Coatesville Bureau of Fire and units from the Westwood and VA fire departments were at the scene. The local fire department and Coatesville police were also assisted by Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit, Chester County Fire Marshal and Chester County Coroner’s Office.